Sharing Plate – Your Cooking Coach |

This is my version of hazelnut chocolate gelato. It is a bit different than what you find in the stores or the recipes you see on line.  First of all, I used my usual gelato recipe- which is made out of whole milk and corn starch. So, that means no fat from eggs and cream. Secondly, instead of steeping the nuts in the milk and then straining them out, I decided to include them in the mix. Doing that provides a great crunch and texture- although straining the nuts out makes this treat more kid friendly. My daughter liked it but she didn’t care for all the nuts in her mouth. I, on the other hand, thought it was delicious. The hazelnut flavor is richer and more enhanced. Especially once I added some hazelnut liquor- it makes it extra scrumptious.

To make the gelato more interesting, I added grated dark chocolate which changes the color as well as the taste. Milk chocolate can be added as well, but I prefer the dark one- plus it is healthier for you.

Overall it was a great, healthy treat we all enjoyed after a dinner get together. I think I will try another one soon – maybe a ginger gelato- yum!!!
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Everyone loves these delicious and healthy treats. As we run out of them, my daughter immediately reminds me to make some more. She loves to have one after school with a glass of milk. I follow it with some fruit and it is a perfect, well-balanced snack.

I keep experimenting with different flavors every time I make them. This time I was making a batch for a friend who was having a spiritual discussion and wanted some snacks for the participants.

I was making the corn salad, the potato cakes and for dessert I decided to make duffins- especially since everyone seems to love them.

To change them up a bit, I decided to add some aromatic spices. I thought of a mixture of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg. Since the rest of the menu was Indian fusion, I decided to add an Indian component to these as well.

The duffins tasted delicious- they had a warm spice flavor to them and cardamom, my favorite spice, stood out – which was intentional. I love cardamom flavor in sweet and savory dishes, especially in cakes…

If you have already tried the regular duffins- try these ones as well, you will love them.
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If I could, I would make sure I have these on hand all the time. These treats are always so delicious and the fact that they are healthy, makes me love them even more.

Most of all, my daughter thinks these are the best things she has ever eaten. I do love making them as well, especially because they are so easy to make.

My daughter has been reminding me everyday to make these jelly filled duffins- and finally I did. I made them while she was skiing with her Daddy and was gone all day. When she came back, she sniffed her way into the kitchen and discovered these on the counter. Although she was extremely tired, she still found the energy to eat her dinner and devour a duffin.

I used raspberry jam but of course any flavor will be fabulous as a filling. The key is to make sure the filling is added in the middle of the duffin mixture. I added about two tablespoons of the mixture and then added a teaspoon of filling before covering the filling with the rest of the mixture.

A duffin is perfect snack to give your kids, especially with a tall, cold glass of milk. My daughter has it as a snack after school with some fruit on the side. It is keeps her going until dinner and I feel good about giving her something homemade and not processed.

Make these treats for your kids..
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This is yet another version of the quick brownies I have made in the past. I don’t make them very often as this treat has two cups of sugar. Even though I use turbinado sugar, it is still a lot.

Once in a while I do get in the mood and make them- they are very sinful. I modified them by using dried, tart cherries. As I was thinking of complementing flavors, amaretto and almonds came to mind. So, I added both to the mix- why not- the more the merrier.

I thought of adding toasted almonds but then I wasn’t sure if anyone who might be eating the brownies is allergic to them- so I avoided them. I do think they will be delicious with the nuts.

While the brownie pan was in the oven, the house smelled divine. My daughter came back from school and her nose lead her to the kitchen and like a little puppy, she sniffed her way to the brownies.

I wasn’t sure if she will like the treat with tart cherries and the almond flavor- but she clearly had no problem . She loved it and so did my husband. I have to say, they were delicious- a bit dangerous to have in the house. I kept munching on them all day and it is especially bad for me since I am in the kitchen practically the whole day- it was not good.

The good news is they are delicious- the bad news is they are delicious and you will eat them all…
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I have been watching Rocco Disiprito talking about his new book- Now Eat This. He has taken everyday, unhealthy foods and reinvented them with fewer calories. He is all over television cooking these dishes and showing how people can still eat all the food they like and be healthy. I really do like some of the ingredients he uses to reduce the calories but I am not too keen on using artificial sweeteners, etc. The other problem I have with his concept is, I think people need to change their eating habits and incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their day instead of continuing eating pizza and fried chicken.

So, when I saw him bake these brownies, I was fascinated by his use of black beans instead of flour- wow, I thought. He also used an egg substitute as well as an artificial sweetener. I did some research on the Internet and found tons of black bean brownie recipes out there- so Rocco wasn’t the first one to use black beans in brownies. After reading a bunch of recipes, I came up with this. I used the black beans but used real organic eggs and raw sugar.

I baked them up and gave some to a bunch of neighborhood kids. They all enjoyed them and didn’t say anything about texture or flavor. I thought the brownies were delicious- they have a gooey, fudgy texture- thanks to the black beans.

While eating them, I realized they will be perfect for Passover. So, all of you out there who are celebrating Passover- have a joyous one and try the brownies- they are really good.
BTW, the green rice and refried beans recipes to follow tomorrow…
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